Relief without the fusion.

Spinal fusion is sometimes the right answer — but it's rarely the first one. For most chronic back and neck pain, minimally invasive options including radiofrequency ablation (RFA), spinal cord stimulation (SCS), and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) can address the pain source without the permanent hardware and 6–12 month recovery of fusion. Our specialists review your imaging and treatment history before recommending any path.

Radiofrequency ablation uses controlled heat to disrupt the small nerves carrying facet joint, sacroiliac, or other axial pain signals. It is a well-established procedure with strong support from the Spine Intervention Society (SIS) and is most effective when diagnostic nerve blocks have confirmed the pain source. Effects typically last 9–18 months and can be repeated.

SCS has been FDA-approved since 1989 and is supported by extensive peer-reviewed research and North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) guidelines. Modern systems offer waveforms that provide meaningful relief for chronic radicular and axial back pain — often when surgery has failed or is not advisable. Patients trial the device first to confirm benefit before permanent implantation.

RFA disrupts only the nerves carrying pain signals; it doesn't change the spine itself. The procedure takes under an hour, requires only local anesthetic and light sedation, and patients walk out the same day. Fusion involves bone grafts, screws, rods, and substantial recovery — and it can transfer stress to adjacent spinal levels over time.

RFA is most effective for facet-joint and sacroiliac pain. True radicular pain (sciatica) often responds better to nerve stimulation (SCS or PNS) or other targeted approaches. Our specialists use diagnostic blocks and detailed imaging to identify which intervention fits your specific pain pattern.

Often yes. Many herniated discs cause pain through nerve-root irritation (radiculopathy) — and that pain frequently responds to targeted epidural injections, peripheral nerve stimulation, or spinal cord stimulation without requiring discectomy or fusion. Surgery becomes the right answer when there is progressive neurologic deficit, significant weakness, or pain that does not respond to less invasive options. Our specialists review your MRI and neurologic exam in detail before recommending any path.

Spinal stenosis pain often responds well to interventional approaches before decompression surgery is needed — targeted epidural injections, radiofrequency ablation for facet-joint contributions, and spinal cord stimulation for persistent leg or back pain. For appropriate candidates, the MILD (minimally invasive lumbar decompression) procedure is an outpatient alternative to open decompression. Surgery remains an option if these pathways are insufficient — but it does not need to be the first step.

Yes. Cervical radiofrequency ablation targets the small nerves carrying pain from the facet joints of the neck — the most common source of chronic mechanical neck pain. For cervical radiculopathy (nerve pain radiating into the arm), peripheral nerve stimulation or carefully selected injections often provide durable relief. Cervical fusion is rarely the first answer; we work through lower-risk options first.

Yes. RFA, SCS, and PNS are well-established procedures covered by Medicare and most major commercial insurers when criteria are met. Our team handles prior authorization and benefits verification.

All three procedures are performed in our outpatient suite under image guidance with low risk profiles. Minor risks include temporary soreness at the access site. Major complications — infection, nerve injury, lead migration — are uncommon when these procedures are performed by experienced interventionalists with proper imaging.

RFA relief typically develops within 1–3 weeks. SCS and PNS provide signal-based relief during the trial phase, allowing you to confirm benefit before committing to permanent implantation.